The Woodlands is bustling with trendy restaurants, beautiful boutiques, shops and outdoor concert spaces. Within our treelines are lush nature trails, parks and plenty of pools to choose from. Our options are limitless, but it’s summertime and you can never have too much fun. So if you’re not cruising down 30A in a golf cart, or have just returned from Telluride Blues and Brews festival then what are the fun hidden gems within the woods to hangout with your family? Let’s explore what The Woodlands has to offer.
Treehouse Cafe in Magnolia is an off the beaten path rustic style diner with a real treehouse. If you feel like yummy food by a treehouse in the woods with a humane turtle enclosure, a zombie graveyard and plenty of space to play corn hole, be sure to visit!
Driving down 1488, you would hardly know what you’ve stumbled upon when you first see the parked hillbilly bus. At first glance, this notable nook gives Disney’s Country Bear Magical Jamboree vibes in Frontierland. Park your car, take the path through the trees and you’ll uncover a whole experience that will make you feel like you’re walking in the front door of your neighbor's house. Clad in Americana decor, that represents the owner's passion for his army family background. Supporting the country, the community and honoring those who serve and have served this country. Operated by the family that brought us Sweet Paris and Hunger Crush.
What to order: The chicken fried steak is the best and most popular. Seasoned, doubled breaded and fried in house using locally sourced ingredients. Other popular menu items include the chicken salad and meatloaf. All the sauces are also made from scratch and so are the desserts.
The Vibe: Owner Mike Kelton’s goal is for you to feel like you’re walking out of your own living room or your mom's kitchen.
Things to do: Corn hole, humane and newly expanded tortoise pen, zombie graveyard, treehouse to rent out for special events.
In The Community: Montgomery County Food Bank and Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor is an organization that supports scholarships for the children of fallen heroes. Keep an eye out for the Folds of Honor golf tournament sponsored by Treehouse Cafe at Lake Windcrest Golf Course.
Honor Wall: a place to pin up pictures of all service heroes
Deacon Baldy's has an industrial sized patio that seats the entire family plus friends, a place for the kids to play and dog friendly! Modeled after Deacon Mike Mims party gathering lifestyle, is an homage to a great human who worked hard and played harder. Deacon Baldy's began as a custom tailgating vehicle shop. Where one could go to build the ultimate partying machine on wheels. Owners Kevin Mims and Joey Muckenthaler carried his legacy on when they decided to park a few food trucks in front of an open air industrial sized patio. The patio is covered by huge circling fans that combat the heat while the patrons enjoy a variety of food menus and ice cold drinks. They hope to make everyone’s day better by being whatever somebody needs them to be in the moment.
The Need: provide a reasonable destination for parties and families to improve their day with a simple interaction or conversation.
The Vibe: casual patio, plenty of food truck options
Things to do: check socials for upcoming events
Side Note: Toy shelf above the liquor, these are the lost and found toys that get kept for their rightful owners to claim them OR are available to borrow. EXCEPT Bluey, she is a permanent fixture.
Mad LLama Brewery, the eco-friendly watering hole- where the llama is always in search of the perfect beverage.
“Make it a fun place, unique event space and cool getaway for families to take a break from the heat.” - Arrian of Mad Llama Brewery
If you’re looking for a laid back brewery that has a clean and funky vibe with super groovy music then this is your place. Owners Stephen and Arrian pride themselves in their eco-friendly use of materials and funky laid back ambiance.
Things To Do: Large patio and outdoor space. Pet friendly.
Future Plans: Lots of amazing music, family style cooking, sixteen beers on tap, hard root beer, a featured “mad” series that offers different flavors in small batches.
Llama Legion: limited edition beer mugs.
The Wheel Kitchen, "a unique local culinary off the beaten path experience hidden hangout in the country" - “…because the wheel represents a perfect circle. From farm to table, table to family, family to community and that’s where memories are made.” - Chef Thelma
Tucked into the corner of creekside, where the wheel represents Chef Thelma’s motto. A true chef style kitchen built out of an old horse stable and farm house. Excellent friendly service with an ambiance. This place has everything, coffee, baked goods and an amazing seasonal menu. Chef Thelma, who is from Guatemala, studied in Italy, has worked in Beverly Hills and parked her family here in The Woodlands to bring us her kitchen
The Vibe: Artsy modern farmhouse.
What to order: Las Enchiladas en Salsa Verde, Seasonal Bruschetta, Sebastian Sunrise and the Seasonal Lemonade Bar.
On the menu: Breakfast everyday, brunch, lunch and dinner, a little Mexican, Italian and plenty of Mediterranean flare. A kids menu, beer and wine, non alcoholic drinks, nano brews, Otto’s Sodas, coffees, sweets and baked goods.
Things to do: Plenty of open space, cornhole, jenga, swings, and bring your own games. Special Events: Seasonal wine dinners that are a must for date nights.
"The wheel represents a perfect circle. From farm to table, table to family, family to community and that’s where memories are made.” - Chef Thelma